Nancy Kober

Research shows that that children learn science and engineering subjects best by engaging from an early age in the kinds of practices used by real scientists and engineers. By doing science and engineering, children not only develop and refine their understanding of the core ideas and crosscutting concepts of these disciplines, but can also be empowered to use their growing understanding to make sense of questions and problems relevant to them. This approach can make learning more meaningful, equitable, and lasting. Using cases and shorter examples, Rise and Thrive with Science shows what high-quality teaching and learning in science and engineering can look like for preschool and elementary school children. Through analyses of these examples and summaries of research findings, the guide points out the key elements of a coherent, research-grounded approach to teaching and learning in science and engineering. This guide also discusses the kinds of support that educators need to implement effective and equitable instruction for all children. This book will provide inspiration for practitioners at the preschool and elementary levels to try new strategies for science and engineering education, whatever their level of experience. Rise and Thrive with Science will be an essential guide for teachers as they organize instruction to enable young children to carry out their own science investigations and engineering design projects, determine the kinds of instruction that lead to meaningful learning, and try to engage every one of their students.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Moving to "I Can Teach Like This"2 Bringing Out the Brilliance of All Children3 Starting Strong with Investigation and Design4 Letting Children Lead During Investigation and Design5 All Together Now: Supporting Communication and Collaboration6 Revealing Learning through Assessments7 Everything Is Connected: Integrating Science and Engineering with Instruction in Other SubjectsEpilogue: Finding Your Own Sources of SupportBiographical Sketches of ConsultantsAbout the Author and Contributing AuthorsAcknowledgments

The undergraduate years are a turning point in producing scientifically literate citizens and future scientists and engineers. Evidence from research about how students learn science and engineering shows that teaching strategies that motivate and engage students will improve their learning. So how do students best learn science and engineering? Are there ways of thinking that hinder or help their learning process? Which teaching strategies are most effective in developing their knowledge and skills? And how can practitioners apply these strategies to their own courses or suggest new approaches within their departments or institutions? Reaching Students strives to answer these questions. Reaching Students presents the best thinking to date on teaching and learning undergraduate science and engineering. Focusing on the disciplines of astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, geosciences, and physics, this book is an introduction to strategies to try in your classroom or institution. Concrete examples and case studies illustrate how experienced instructors and leaders have applied evidence-based approaches to address student needs, encouraged the use of effective techniques within a department or an institution, and addressed the challenges that arose along the way. The research-based strategies in Reaching Students can be adopted or adapted by instructors and leaders in all types of public or private higher education institutions. They are designed to work in introductory and upper-level courses, small and large classes, lectures and labs, and courses for majors and non-majors. And these approaches are feasible for practitioners of all experience levels who are open to incorporating ideas from research and reflecting on their teaching practices. This book is an essential resource for enriching instruction and better educating students.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Thinking About Learning and Teaching as a Researcher Would2 Getting Started3 Using Insights About Learning to Inform Teaching4 Designing Instruction5 Assessing and Adapting6 Overcoming Challenges7 Creating Broader Contexts That Support Research-Based Teaching and LearningEpilogue: On Changing MindsReferencesList of IntervieweesBiographical Sketches of Consulting ExpertsAbout the AuthorIndexPhoto and Illustration Credits